Esophageal perforation/rupture is a rare, but life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention. Late identification can result in pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema, Sepsis, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), and ultimately multiple organ failure (MOF) and death.
Based on personal experience, Flight Paramedic and Educator Brian King joins us in a discussion regarding the various causes, signs/symptoms, and treatment based on our care environment. We also touch on controversies surrounding gastric tube insertion.
See our GT podcast episode here.
Cross, M. R., Greenwald, M. F., & Dahhan, A. (2015). Esophageal Perforation and Acute Bacterial Mediastinitis. Medicine, 94(32). doi:10.1097/md.0000000000001232
Kaman, L. (2011). Management of Esophageal Perforation in Adults. Gastroenterology Research. doi:10.4021/gr263w
Mubang, R. N. (2019, March 01). Esophageal Trauma. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470161/
Søreide, J. A., & Viste, A. (2011). Esophageal perforation: diagnostic work-up and clinical decision-making in the first 24 hours. Scandinavian journal of trauma, resuscitation and emergency medicine, 19, 66. doi:10.1186/1757-7241-19-66
Jougon, J. (2001). Esophageal perforation: Life threatening complication of endotracheal intubation. European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, 20(1), 7-11. doi:10.1016/s1010-7940(01)00766-7